Lonely Planet gives you the best of each country

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For some people there’s nothing like holding a book in your hand. Which is why, in this Digital Age, travel guide books still have a market.

In April, Lonely Planet (LP) launched their brand new Best Of series, which replaces the Discover series.

So, what’s the difference? Previously the Discover series covered the length and breath of the country concerned. In the new series, they have basically collected a country’s best sights, itineraries and local secrets that have been curated by LP’s independent experts. It is more in-depth on the sights and destinations that are the “best” or the most popular.

The 352-page books are all full-colour paperbacks, and there is more use of images and illustrative maps. The country and city maps are foldouts.

In synch with the new format, the accommodation coverage concentrates on the best places to stay.

There are also one-week, two-week and extended itineraries suggested for each country. Look out too for insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local.

Foldout maps are a feature of the books.

What’s visiting a country without experiencing the culture? The books provide insights into this, too. Additionally, there is information on operation hours of attractions, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, and prices.

What’s a guide without reviews? And there are reviews – on eating, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, and hidden gems – for all budgets.

The first set covers five countries. Here is a gist of what to expect for each book.

>Best Of Australia – Catch an aria at the Sydney Opera House, snorkel the dazzling Great Barrier Reef, learn to surf in Byron Bay or Bondi, spot crocs in Kakadu National Park, or visit Uluru.

The books have a day-by-day planner.

>Best Of Germany – See storybook castles arise from the Bava­rian forest, raise a stein (beer mug) to an oompah band in a Munich beer garden, and take in the vibrant Berlin arts scene.

>Best Of Ireland – Slurp oysters and clap hands to spirited fiddle music in a lively Galway pub, explore medieval castles in Dublin and beyond, or set off across vibrant green hills towards Atlantic coastal trails.

>Best Of Italy – Take in a gondolier’s sweet song while gliding past Venetian palaces, sample olives and wines while traversing Tuscany’s storybook hills, or be humbled by thousands of years of Roman history and art.

> Best Of USA – Be awed by the Grand Canyon, revel in the glitz and glamour of New York City, or devour the diverse cuisines of New Orleans.